NaijaChoice looks at the top happenings making headlines on the front pages of Nigeria’s national newspapers today Tuesday 15th August, 2023.

• The PUNCH:

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has invited the former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, over an ongoing probe into the N37,170,855,753.44 allegedly laundered under her watch through a contractor, James Okwete.

The former minister was asked to appear before interrogators at the EFCC headquarters, Jabbi, Abuja on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, to explain the alleged fraud, an exclusive document seen by our correspondent on Saturday revealed.

The document read in part, “The commission is investigating a case of money laundering involving the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development during your time as minister.

“In view of the above, you are requested to kindly report for an interview with the undersigned. Scheduled as follows: Wednesday, 3rd of January, 2024. Time: 10am. This request is made pursuant to Section 38 (I) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 & Section 21 of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.”

• The Guardian:

As the day winds down for a New Year to begin, Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country have called on government to ameliorate suffering of the masses in 2024, as 2023 was an unforgettable experience.

They also called on government to maintain low profile and shun ostentatious living.

Speaking differently to The Guardian, they said government has fundamental role to play in making Nigeria the country of their dream. But this could only be possible if government is able to stabilise the Naira and encourage local production so as to boost the economy.

They noted that 2023 was tough for many citizens, especially after the subsidy removal and policy around the unification of exchange rate which has failed. So, they are looking forward to a better year and country in 2024.

• The Nation:

The Governor of Yobe State, Hon.  Mai Mala Buni CON. yesterday urged Nigerians to sink their differences and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to succeed in moving Nigeria forward.

He said once the President succeeds, it will translate into a better life for Nigerians. He said it is a contradiction for the citizens to wish their leaders to fail and expect improvement in their lives.

Buni made the plea at the closing ceremony of the 38th edition of the National Qur’anic Recitation Competition in Damaturu.

He said:  “I enjoin us all to take advantage of this glorious moment of the Qur’an recitation to pray for the peace, unity, stability and progress of our country because we have no any other country but Nigeria.

“Nigerians should, irrespective of our religious, ethnic, cultural and political backgrounds, pray for our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all other leaders to succeed in piloting the affairs of the country.

• Daily Trust:

The Senate on Saturday summoned the heads of security agencies over the gruesome killings of more than 100 persons on Christmas eve in Plateau State. 

At least 145 persons were killed in bandits’ attacks on 23 villages in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi local government areas of Plateau State.

The attacks, which also left hundreds of people injured and property destroyed, were said to have occurred from Saturday night to the early hours of Monday.

The Senate said due to the coordinated nature the massacre was carried out by the marauding bandits, it showed that there was failure of security intelligence.

• Tribune:

The Senate, at its weekend plenary session, approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request for securitization of the outstanding debit balance of N7.3 trillion of the Ways and Means Advance in the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federal Government.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally informed the Senate of his intention to securitize the N7.3 trillion outstanding domestic debt balance.

Tinubu, in the letter read on the floor of the Red Chamber by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, disclosed that his action was in line with the provisions of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007, “which stipulates that the apex bank may grant temporary advances to the Federal Government in respect of a temporary deficiency of budget revenue provided such overdrafts do not surpass 5% of the government’s revenue from the previous year.”

Thank you for reading, that is all for today, see you again tomorrow for a review of Nigerian newspapers.